Riders warned that if the new vaccine against HIV/AIDS that was released on September 24th is to fulfil its potential, it must be effective in sub-Saharan Africa which is home to over two-thirds of those living with HIV/AIDS. However, the transportation infrastructure in this region is weak and not adequate to deliver this much needed vaccine successfully. Up to three-in-five people in developing countries live more than 8 km from a health facility, with the majority having no access to transportation of their own. Unless transportation systems are put in place to deliver any potential vaccine, millions face the possibility of missing out. Barry Coleman, executive director of Riders for Health said: ‘A vaccine against HIV has huge potential value for humanity, but this value will not be realized if it fails to reach those who need it in Africa. Advances in medical science like this are only part of the solution. Governments and agencies must focus on how we get health care from the health centers out to all the people who need it. A vaccine alone will not save people. There is already a vaccine for measles, but millions of children across Africa still die of measles, simply because the vaccine does not reach them. If we repeat the mistakes of the past, this will be another breakthrough that does not reach those who need it most.’
This has prompted some serious brainstorming. How about "Drivers for Health" using BUVs that would help meet this transportation need to provide telemedicine (taking the healthcare to the people in need prior to illness)? Please let me know what you think of this new development. Healthy Initiative Ministries is considering plans to develop "Drivers for Health" utilizing the BUV that could accomplish so much in achieving better health in developing countries. The BUV could serve as a dispensary for some drugs and vacines, an ambulance, a mobile medical and dental clinic, morgue wagon, and more. The need of the hour is to provide the means for public health professionals to reach rural communities with health care and other essential services.
